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How to Use Your iPhone to Text Over Satellite When You're in the Back Country

12/20/2024

Whether your travels take you deep into the wilderness or just to the part of your city that doesn't have cell service, you can stay connected by using your iPhone to text from orbit. - WIRED Magazine

Apple recently added texting by satellite with iOS 18 for iPhone 14 models and newer.
Travel is stressful enough for most of us, but not being able to text while you’re on the road (or in the back country) is a true nightmare. On an Apple iPhone, you see the dreaded words “not delivered” with an exclamation mark in a red circle whenever a message can’t get through. Especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area and need to contact somebody right away.

Fortunately, Apple recently added texting by satellite with iOS 18 for iPhone 14 models and newer. This expansion of the iPhone’s satellite connectivity—Apple previously only provided emergency satellite SOS service—brings regular text messaging service to areas with no cell coverage; it’s like sending in the cavalry if you’re in a remote location.

Fortunately, the steps to connect to a satellite for texting are straightforward. Here’s how to make sure you can still send a message to anyone from anywhere in the US or Canada.
Prepare for Your TripThe first step before you ever head out on any trip is to check a cellular service coverage map. You can contact your wireless carrier to ask about coverage areas, but a great resource is this Federal Communications Commission map. You can select your carrier and see both voice and data coverage.

I planned a trip to a state park in my area where I noticed most of the cabins and an entire ravine by a river were not covered by either voice or data service. Knowing whether you can connect will help you avoid surprises. If you are traveling with a few people, not being able to text anyone can lead to some serious confusion.

The FCC coverage map shows exactly where cell coverage might not work, and it is surprisingly detailed. You can zoom into specific city blocks or roads in a park to see if they are covered. (Also, if your phone is struggling to find a signal, its battery will drain more quickly. So if you’re going to a remote area, bring a battery pack.)

How to Connect to a Satellite to Send Messages
Once you arrive at your destination, you will notice the cell service will deteriorate as you enter a remote area. For me, when I visited the state park, I first noticed my AT&T service said 5G+ in the upper right corner, then 5G, then eventually it said LTE. It feels like you are going back in time, technologically. Down by the river, the LTE icon went completely blank and then showed a satellite icon. That was my first clue that I had an alternative way of texting.

I went to the Messages app and a prompt appeared at the top of the screen—“Stay in touch while letting others know you’re available by satellite”—followed by a button that said “Use Messages via Satellite.” Click that button, and you’ll see a screen that shows the curvature of the planet and a message that says “Satellite Available Soon.” It feels a bit like a treasure hunt at this point. You’ll see a prompt to turn left or right toward the satellite. Click on the satellite that appears and stay still, standing in the same direction for about a minute. Eventually, the screen will light up with a green beacon. You are now connected! You’ll see options to connect by Messages, use the Find My app, request roadside assistance, or send an SOS.

Click Messages and send a text. Note that these texts do not transmit nearly as fast as they do over a wireless carrier signal. A friend who joined me on the trip didn’t receive a text for about two minutes, even though both of us were connected via satellite. Oddly, another companion who had an iPhone 14 didn’t even need to text by satellite; her phone stayed connected to the carrier. Yet, after repeated tests, my iPhone 16 Pro Max needed to connect by satellite in the same area. All of my texts took about a minute or two to send; receiving texts also took a bit longer.

Things to RememberThe good news is that sending texts over satellite is entirely free for two years after your phone is activated. (Apple could start charging for this feature in 2025, or include it in one of its service bundles.) Just be ready to explore a little to find a satellite to connect to. In both of my trips to the park and the downtown area, I had to walk around for a good 10 or 15 minutes until the cellular service stopped working. Once I connected to the satellite, I had to stay in one place or the connection could switch over to AT&T. And, if you are anywhere near a Wi-Fi signal, your iPhone will attempt to connect to that signal instead.
Also, the feature is only intended to send texts. You can send emoji and tapbacks in Messages, but you can’t transmit images, audio clips, or video files. You'll have to wait until you connect to a data signal to send the bigger stuff.

To read the entire article in Wired Magazine, CLICK HERE.

Truckee Donner Land Trust and Partners Protect 3,500 acres of Open Space and 22 miles of Pines to Mine Trail!

12/20/2024

Truckee Donner Land Trust, working with the Trust for Public Land, the Tahoe National Forest, and Bear Yuba Land Trust, proudly announce the protection of over 3,500 acres high along the Sierra Nevada crest that will now be a part of the Tahoe National Forest, and will unlock a critical 22-mile trail connection in the landmark Pines to Mines Trail.

This land conservation acquisition will allow for the completion of a multi-use native surface trail system, including the future construction of 22 miles of new trail that closes a missing trail gap connecting Truckee to Nevada City, CA, bridging these eastern and western Sierra Nevada communities via the 72-mile Pines to Mines Trail.

"This land conservation success marks a significant milestone for the Pines to Mines Trail but also protects some of the most majestic landscapes and watersheds in the Sierra," said Guillermo Rodriguez, Trust for Public Land. "By closing the gap and better connecting this trail, we are enhancing public access and recreational enjoyment to some of the most beautiful areas in the Sierra Nevada, while also preserving critical wildlife corridors and water quality. This is a win-win-win and would not have been possible without the support and leadership of our partners at the Tahoe National Forest, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Bear Yuba Land Trust and so many others."

“Staying abreast of evolving, accessible recreation opportunities is a top priority for Tahoe National Forest,”said acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Beth Martinez. “We thank our land trust partners for helping the Pines to Mines project come to fruition and thus expanding and protecting our natural public spaces for all to enjoy.”

The Pines to Mines Trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail and provides access to popular destinations such as Trout Creek, Donner Lake Rim, Lake Spaulding, and the Pioneer Trail.

The newly protected land, roughly the size of seven Disneyland parks, will be transferred to the Tahoe National Forest. This acquisition prevents the necessity of redirecting the trail over less scenic former logging roads and ensuring a more enjoyable trail experience for recreators.

“Tahoe National Forest is a year-round recreational haven, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors annually. From hikers to backcountry skiers, the forest offers something for everyone, making it a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the region for the 11 million people who live within a four-hour drive. This project will offer new and expanded opportunities for hiking, mountain biking including Class 1 e-bikes, horseback riding, endurance running, fishing, camping, backcountry skiing, and hunting,” continued Beth Martinez, Acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor.

“We are thrilled that TPL saw the immense value that the trail will bring to the Northern Sierra Nevada communities and stepped in to help facilitate this transaction. This acquisition and transfer of land from Sierra Pacific Industries to Tahoe National Forest is such a critical piece of the overall Pines to Mines Trail project. I think I speak for all the local recreation partners who have been working tirelessly for almost 10 years on the trail alignment and funding when I say thank you TPL for getting this land protected forever!” Executive Director, Erin Tarr at Bear Yuba Land Trust.

“Truckee Donner Land Trust is grateful to be a part of such an important project, furthering the protection of the Sierra Nevada Checkerboard and creating connectivity not only for trails, but preserving it for wildlife as well,” said John Svahn, Executive Director for the Truckee Donner Land Trust. "This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission, and will protect habitat, watershed, and vertical migration corridors while also opening the door for an incredible recreation opportunity for all to enjoy."

Along with recreational benefits, this acquisition safeguards essential habitat connectivity, including 56 identified wetlands, four Sierra meadows, and four miles of intermittent and perennial streams. Additionally, this acquisition protects the headwaters of the South Yuba River and two significant watersheds: Rattlesnake Creek/South Yuba River and Fordyce Creek. These watersheds flow into Lake Spaulding and the State Wild and Scenic section of the South Yuba River, playing a crucial role in maintaining water quality.

The project areas contain habitat that supports several endangered species, including the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, Pacific marten, and North American wolverine. The protection of these landscapes is essential in combating habitat loss while buffering the effects of climate change.

The Pines to Mines Trail project was approved by the Tahoe National Forest this year, after years of collaborative work by the Truckee Donner Land Trust, Bear Yuba Land Trust, Trust for Public Land, Bicyclists of Nevada County, County of Nevada, Gold Country Trails Council, and Truckee Trails Foundation.

TPL facilitated this $7.6 million land deal, acquiring the property from Sierra Pacific Industries, for transfer to the U.S. Forest Service to become a part of the Tahoe National Forest. The lands were purchased entirely with funds competitively awarded to the Tahoe National Forest from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“Sierra Pacific is proud of our collaborative work with Trust for Public Land and the other partners to help facilitate the build out of the Pines2Mines Trail,” said Mark Emmerson, CEO of Sierra Pacific Industries. “This project opens up more areas for public recreation, supporting both conservation and local communities.”

This project builds on the Truckee Donner Land Trust’s work to protect the Sierra Nevada Checkerboard, an historic land ownership pattern of public and private lands. The Land Trust has protected 45,000 acres of open space in the area, and the Donner Lake Rim Trail, part of the Land Trust’s 50 miles of trail, will serve as a portion of the Pines to Mines Trail.
The Trail is a partnership of the Truckee Trails Foundation, Bicyclists of Nevada County, Gold Country Trails Council, Bear Yuba Land Trust, US Forest Service, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Nevada County, and the Trust for Public Land.

To see the complete article in the Truckee Donner website and newsletter CLICK HERE.

Hidden Falls trails soon to connect with rarely seen Placer County wilderness

12/13/2024

From FOX40.com:
Placer County has taken another step in expanding its largest and most wild regional park, Hidden Falls. On Dec. 3, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a $724,575 contract with Trailscape Inc. out of Roseville to build a connection trail between Hidden Falls and the newly acquired property of Big Hill Preserve.

600 acres of oak woodland added to Hidden Falls Regional Park in Placer County
The Phase 2 project will connect the existing 1,200-acre park to the more than 600-acre preserve that also offers a new parking lot and trailheads.
County maps show that the connection trail will begin at the eastern end of River Otter Loop and continue northeast, roughly following Racoon Creek, to existing trails in the Taylor Ranch Preserve area.

Placer CountyThe trail will span 4.5 miles and include three bridges at 21 and 26 feet long. Construction will begin in December and is expected to be completed in Fall 2025.
“This project is an impressive step forward in creating a more connected and accessible Hidden Falls Regional Park,” Placer County Department of Agriculture, Parks and Natural Resources Parks Administrator Erika Seward. “Residents and visitors alike will soon be able to experience new opportunities to enjoy the stunning beauty of these lands.”

The Big Hill Preserve is made of multiple properties including Taylor Ranch Preserve, Kotomyan Big Hill Preserve, Liberty Ranch Big Hill Preserve and Outman Big Hill Preserve.
All together the four properties protect more than 800 acres of oak woodland along Racoon Creek and in the Bear River watershed. There are seven miles of existing trails.

Before now, hiking at Big Hill Preserve has been docent-led by Placer Land Trust volunteers.

To see the original article:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/hidden-falls-trails-soon-to-connect-with-rarely-seen-placer-county-wilderness/ar-AA1vC7WM

Deer Creek Tribute Trail Extension Now Open

12/11/2024

Provided by Bear Yuba Land Trust:

We are thrilled to announce that a new section of the Deer Creek Tribute Trail (DCTT) in Nevada City is now open to the public! This section of trail is located on land owned by the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP), which is the nonprofit entity serving the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe. CHIRP acquired this land in 2016 and donated a Trail Easement to BYLT. Through funding obtained by The Sierra Fund from California Natural Resources Agency, BYLT was contracted to design and build the trail and will be responsible for ensuring it stays open and accessible to the public forever.

The beautifully crafted trail sweeps through broad oaks and sentinel pines, connecting the Nisenan Suspension Bridge section of the DCTT to the Canal section, enjoying lovely views of Deer Creek along the way. Posted along the trail are interpretive panels telling its story. The collaborative project is just one more example showcasing that when we come together to reach common goals, we make this community better for everyone. Find out more about the DCTT on our website here.

The photo at top is of the project partners cutting the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the new section of Deer Creek Tribute Trail on CHIRP property: Ember Amador, Executive Assistant (CHIRP), Brian Wallace, Executive Director (Sierra Fund), Gary Petersen, Mayor (Nevada City), Erin Tarr, Executive Director (BYLT), Izzy Martin, Former ED (Sierra Fund).

https://www.bylt.org/trail/deer-creek-nisenan-bridge/

E-Bike Explosion: Understanding and Preventing the Risk of Battery Fires

12/9/2024

The surge in battery fires coincides with the booming sales of e-bikes and e-scooters, driven by the pandemic and falling prices for these battery-powered vehicles. Between 2020 and 2022, U.S. e-bike imports more than doubled, rising from 450,000 to 1.1 million units, according to the industry trade group Light Electric Vehicle Association.

"E-bikes have been my primary mode of transport for grocery shopping and commuting, bringing convenience and freedom from gasoline and parking hassles. I bought one for my parents and they love it for leisure rides. However, my enthusiasm for these vehicles has been tempered by growing reports of battery fires associated with e-bikes." - Tuan Do

Across the globe, e-bike fires have become a pressing issue.
An apartment building in San Francisco caught fire in May, and in June, flames from a bike repair shop in New York engulfed upper-floor apartments, leading to four fatalities and two hospitalizations. In another tragic incident near Cambridge, England, a fire believed to have been caused by a faulty e-bike battery claimed the lives of a woman and her two children.
Factors Contributing to the Uptick in FiresComparing fire incidents, the New York Fire Department investigated only 30 e-bike fires in 2019, but by the following year, that number had surged to 220. The London Fire Brigade reports attending an e-bike or e-scooter fire approximately every two days this year.
In response to these alarming incidents, some apartment complexes and businesses have started banning e-bikes and e-scooters. For instance, a cafe in Brooklyn called Brain Food explicitly prohibits customers from charging their electric bikes or scooters at its outlets.

Why E-Bike Batteries Explode
It is essential to note that not all e-bikes or e-scooters are prone to spontaneous combustion. By taking proper precautions, the risk of battery fires can be mitigated.
Most e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, the same type found in smartphones, earbuds, and laptops. These batteries can fail when damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. E-bike batteries are much larger than those in personal electronics, making them more dangerous in the event of failure.
Anna Stefanopoulou, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Michigan, explains that lithium-ion battery failures can trigger a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. The melting battery materials fuel the flames, producing more heat and creating flammable gas. The result is a self-sustaining, extremely hot fire that is difficult to control.
Electric cars also use lithium-ion batteries, but they are less prone to fires than e-bikes. Cars have cooling systems and their batteries are better protected, whereas e-bike batteries lack temperature regulators and are more exposed to potential impacts and environmental factors. Minor manufacturing flaws can escalate into severe issues, particularly in cheaper batteries with low-quality control standards.
E-bike users also tend to place more stress on their batteries, frequently draining and recharging them throughout the week, which can contribute to increased risk.
How to Prevent Battery FiresPreventing fires starts with choosing a reputable e-bike brand with a well-designed safety system and proper safety certifications. In New York City, a recently passed law mandates all mobility devices, including electrified bikes and scooters, to meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) electrical and fire safety standards from September. Wherever you reside, it’s a good idea to seek UL certification.
A safe battery system will automatically shut off charging if it detects abnormalities in temperature, voltage, or current. Moreover, follow these best practices to further reduce the risk of fires:

Use the original battery and charger, or stick with the same brand for replacements.
Inspect the battery and battery plug for damage. Avoid charging if there are signs of frayed cables, bulges, crackling or hissing sounds, or unusual odors.
Don’t leave your charging e-bike or battery unattended and limit charging sessions to an hour.
Keep your bike away from flammable materials.
Follow the safety manual for specific manufacturer instructions.

In the event of a fire, prioritize safety and evacuation. Call emergency services immediately and leave the firefighting to professionals, as household fire extinguishers may not be sufficient for these intense fires.

https://www.techwalls.com/e-bike-explosion-prevent-battery-fires/

Mt. Tam trails bike ban extended

12/9/2024

From the Marin Independent Journal newspaper:
Judge blocks Marin Municipal plans for two pilot programs
- By Adrian Rodriguez. [email protected]A Marin County judge has delivered a victory to a group of environmentalists seeking to prevent expanded bicycle access on Mount Tamalpais.
A preliminary injunction issued Tuesday blocks the Marin Municipal Water District from launching two pilot programs: one that would have opened 7 miles of watershed trails to bikes, and another to allow class 1, pedal-assisted electric bikes.
The ruling comes two months after a temporary restraining order imposed the same restriction. However, the preliminary injunction extends that condition through the entirety of the related lawsuit. Judge Andrew Sweet issued a tentative ruling last month indicating he was leaning in favor of the preliminary injunction.
In a statement, the Marin Municipal Water District said the programs, which were set to launch in October for a two-year trial, “were designed to protect our watershed lands in a way that is responsive to the changing public uses of this community resource.”
“It’s unfortunate that after years of public engagement, forward progress on these pilot programs has been slowed by a legal challenge,” the statement says. “But we will continue to navigate the best path forward and will provide updates to the community as we have a better idea of changes and next steps.”
For now, it’s status quo on the mountain: Non-motorized bikes remain restricted to fire roads, and e-bikes are not allowed on the district property.
Bike access in the Mount Tamalpais watershed has been a polarizing issue for more than 30 years.

The pilot programs are controversial, with critics citing safety and environmental impacts as their main concerns.
After several years of discussions over how to provide cyclists more enjoyment of the mountain, the water district board unanimously approved the pilot programs in September.
The lawsuit, filed Sept. 26, claims the pilot programs would be bad for the mountain. The plaintiffs include the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, the Marin Audubon Society and the Marin Conservation League.
The suit states the water district failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act by forgoing an analysis of the potential disturbances to the habitat from bike riding.
In the suit, the group says the project area “contains critical biological resources, including dozens of rare plant species and plant communities, the federally listed Northern spotted owl and up to eight special-status bat species.”
“The addition of mountain bikes and e-bikes to these trails and roads for an indefinite two year period has the potential to harm these resources, disturbing owl nest sites and activity centers, trampling scarce and rare plant populations … and disturbing sensitive bat colonies due to the high pitch sound of the e-bikes’ mechanical engines,” the suit says.
Water district officials dispute the claim that they sidestepped the state’s environmental review mandates. The district said the pilot programs are exempt from a California Environmental Quality Act review for two reasons under an “existing facilities exemption.”
For one, illegal bike use is happening on the mountain already, the district said. Second, the use of trails by bikers should not constitute an expansion of the existing use because it is a similar activity to hiking and horseback riding.
In his ruling, Sweet wrote that even if there are cyclists riding trails illegally, the district presented no evidence that the activity was happening on the nine trails that are part of the pilot program.
Sweet said if the pilot programs proceeded, “the Watershed can reasonably anticipate seeing increased use of the affected routes by conventional bikers and e-bikers. Increased use means increased opportunity to trample plants and spread plant pathogens.”
Sweet said the district’s finding that the trail sharing program is exempt from CEQA under the existing facilities exemption “is not supported by substantial evidence.”
Sweet also concluded that the electric-bike access program cannot be considered separately from the trail sharing program.
“The Court concludes that Petitioners have made a very modest showing of interim harm in the absence of a preliminary injunction,” Sweet wrote. Whereas the water district, he said, “made no showing of interim harm.”
“I would say we’re certainly pleased with the judge’s ruling,” said David Long, co-president of the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. “It affirms our view that this kind of explosion of activity requires environmental review.”
Bicycle advocacy groups remain disappointed in the legal action, saying that the plaintiffs had been part of the planning for years developing recreation programs on the mountain.
“To have an interest group fight in typical NIMBY fashion is extremely disappointing,” said Vernon Huffman, executive director of the Access4Bikes Foundation. NIMBY stands for “not in my backyard.”
“What it means is we will now spend years of lawyers’ time investigating what we already know, that mountain biking is an appropriate use in our watershed,” Huffman said.

To read the complete article in the Marin Independent Journal CLICK HERE.

How to Use Your iPhone to Text Over Satellite When You're in the Back Country

Truckee Donner Land Trust and Partners Protect 3,500 acres of Open Space and 22 miles of Pines to Mine Trail!

Hidden Falls trails soon to connect with rarely seen Placer County wilderness

Deer Creek Tribute Trail Extension Now Open

E-Bike Explosion: Understanding and Preventing the Risk of Battery Fires

Mt. Tam trails bike ban extended

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